Director, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

Director, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

Working Title: Director, Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

State Role Title: N/A

Position Type: Administrative & Professional (Non-teaching Faculty)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Visual and Performing Arts

Department: 100551 - College of Visual and Performing Arts

Pay Rate: Commensurate with Experience

Beginning Review Date: 4/16/2026

About the Forbes Center

Opened in 2010, the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts is a state-of-the-art facility that hosts hundreds of performances annually, including internationally acclaimed artists, faculty and student productions, and educational programs. In 2025, the Forbes Center celebrated its 15th Anniversary Masterpiece Season, marking a decade and a half of artistic excellence and cultural leadership in the Shenandoah Valley. The Center features five performance venues and serves as a bridge between the university and the community, fostering cultural enrichment and engagement through diverse programming, masterclasses, and outreach initiatives such as Any Given Child and Forbes Family Fun.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Director provides visionary leadership and operational oversight for the Forbes Center, ensuring excellence in programming, audience development, and facility management. The successful candidate will curate diverse and compelling seasons, manage budgets and staff, and collaborate with faculty, students, and community partners to advance the Center's mission. This position requires strategic thinking, strong organizational skills, and a passion for the performing arts.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in arts administration, performing arts, or a related field.
• Significant professional experience in performing arts programming, including artist booking and contract negotiation
• Demonstrated experience managing performing arts operations, including budgeting and technical production
• Proven leadership skills with experience supervising staff and fostering collaboration.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to accessibility in programming and outreach
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by performance schedules

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in arts administration, performing arts, or a related field
• Experience with fundraising, sponsorship development, and grant writing
• Knowledge of marketing strategies and audience development, including digital and social media outreach
• Familiarity with facility management and long-term maintenance planning
• Experience developing educational and community engagement programs

Additional Posting Information:

JMU's Dual Career and Community Resources Program is available for candidates that will be relocating to the area. For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/2OTF1NG.

To apply, please visit: https://jobs.jmu.edu/jobs/director-forbes-center-for-the-performing-arts-harrisonburg-virginia-united-states